He was always the most gracious host

November 24, 2018

Contributed by Paul Machlis (Joan’s brother)

As children, my sisters and I didn’t have much opportunity to get to know the couple our parents had chosen as godparents. But in my thirties, as a musician touring each year up the western coast — from San Francisco to Vancouver — I had the pleasure of spending time with Jean and Bernd in the beautiful Eugene home that they designed and treasured. Bernd was always the most gracious host, curious about my music and other interests while at the same time enthusiastically sharing his musical tastes, his love of food and wine, and his general joy in living. I also had a special rapport with Bernd’s first wife, Jean, and when she died I wrote a piece in her memory, asking Bernd for an appropriate title. He suggested that it relate to her ancestral roots near Buchanan Castle in Scotland, and thus came the title “Buchanan Mist.” I played the piece for decades in many countries, introducing it with words about my very special godparents.